A Memory that lives on .....and on....and will live on

Okay, so I have to warn everyone to read labels on food, especially dairy products.  I ate yogurt that was one day past experation, and BAM!  Food poisoning.  I was out of commission for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and yesterday.  I was involved in a wedding Wednesday morning, but I was only there as a shell of a human being.  I apparently came up with a new shade of white, also known as 'DAMN!'.  But you can't bail on someone's wedding, especially someone you've known a long time and known them since they met their significant other and were looked at as an approver of this person.  So that's right, I sucked it up and dealt with it.  Hell of a weight loss program, too.  Who needs diet and exercise?  Tish-tosh, just some bad dairy and you're good to go.

So the title of this blog ties into the wedding, well, after the wedding.  I should tell you that the 'ceremony' was at the Denver City and County courthouse, and after the signing of documents, we all went down to the cafeteria.  I had Gatorade *(why?  because they didn't have pedialyte), and I really hadn't been introduced to everyone else in this party.  And I wasn't in a great place to talk.  So the bride introduces me with a story, and when this gets told you'll see how everything gets tied together. 
The story goes like this-she called me on the way to her 3rd date with this guy, who I hadn't met yet.  Apparently my opinion matters to some folks (I have no idea why, so many folks seem to think I'm a bit of a crotchety old guy), and in this case it really did matter.  'I'm going out with this guy for the 3rd time.'
'Cool, what's he do? (I should note that I truly could care less what anyone else does, but it matters to pretty much 98% of the rest of the world.  It seemed like the appropriate question.)
'He's a musician.'
'Okay--Is he Clean?'
"He's not a dirty hippie!!"
'That's not what I'm asking....'

So I had to explain this story to everyone in this cafeteria.  And I'll explain it to you reading.  When I moved to NH back when I was 10, I was making friends around the Broken Village, and back in the day, friends had sleepovers.  So I was about to go to one, and my Pops asked me the question that to this day defines many of my friends.  'Is he Clean, his family Clean?'  My answer to my Father was, 'duh, they shower like everyone else.'  After the Death Stare (yes, I inherited that, too) came and went, dear old Dad went on to explain what he meant by Clean.  Looking back, I laugh out loud.  Back then, I knew this kid nor his family were Clean.  They were dirtbags.  The type of people who would end up on 'Cops' had it been a show back then.  Sure enough, the kids older brother was busted for dealing, and the cops were at that apartment on multiple occassions for various events (an example I remember was the 4th of July the next year where husband and wife celebrated our nation's Independence Day by beating on each other with empty beer bottles...charming memory).  That kid ended up doing time in juvy for a bunch of stupid stuff.  Shocking...the old man knew then and had passed a lesson on to me....

That eventually got passed on to a friend who asked my opinion of some guy she was dating.....who she married this week.  Funny how the world works, isn't it?

For me, it made me laugh a little, with food poisoning.  Now that I'm back to relative normalcy, it makes me giggle.  You can tell me you don't believe in Angels, Fate, Karma, the Gods, Jesus, Muhammed and Allah, Yin and Yang, and I will smirk.  I think that was just my Pops way of letting me know he'll always be with me.  I knew that already, but hadn't had any moments like this.  Only means that there will be more little smirks coming.  Kind of a good feeling.

But I guess I'll ask all of you if your friends are Clean, and now you'll know what it means.  Happy nuptuals to my friends Scot and Michelle, I wish them nothing but to continue on the happy path that they've been on for the last 3 years.

Memorial Day MegaBlog

That's right, I said it, it's a MegaBlog.  Why?  Because I haven't written anything in almost a week.  And the last time I wrote anything, I was pissed that someone tried to throw me in front of traffic.  For being a nice guy and being there and helping.  Suffice to say, that will never happen for that person ever again.  I will not be giving them the opportunity to chuck my kindness into a blender again.  Sucks to be them, because I happen to think I'm a heck of a decent human being.

Okay, now on to the fun.  Please, take a moment to think of our Veterans, and if you know someone in the military, shoot them a text, give 'em a call, send an email, thanking them for their service and protecting yours and my freedom.  Our freedom to speak, to bear arms, to think, to practice whatever belief system we want, to our rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Now, a couple of weeks ago I blasted our christened, anointed and beloved (yes, cue the sarcasm) President for not releasing the lovely flyover photos to New York City.  I actually received criticism from more than one source telling me to calm down and at least he wasn't W.  Well, let me respond to both points.  One, I won't calm down.  If I sound like a 4 year old right now, so be it-it's my stinkin' blog and I'll do what I want with it.  Look, I know Obama has a ton on his plate, but I'm pretty sure he should know when the ol' Air Force One is out and about, and since he's so huge on appearances, it didn't look good.  He's our first digital/internet President.  He was so awesomely savvy in developing his campaign and using all outlets, how could he not think this might not be a great idea?  And how much did it cost us, the taxpayers?  At least $375,000.  Not cool.  So after some pressure, he released the photos.  Second, who said anything about W?  I sure didn't.  I won't defend most of his policies, either.  I'm not pitting one against the other.  Please oh please don't paint me into that corner.  Fine, I'll just say it out loud, George W. Bush is as much of a Republican as Obama is.  Not sure what that means?  It means he's not really a Republican.  Much like Arlen Specter, just because you put an R- or a D- in front of your name doesn't make you a true member of that party.  Come to find out in all my research, I'm really a Constitutionalist, more of a Libertarian on 'roids, so to speak.  I have my ideas on certain things, you don't have to agree with them, either.  Most importantly, I believe that each and every one of us earns our own money and should be able to decide what we want to do with it.  If I disagree with a certain organization, why should a bunch of people who I've had no interaction with decide where my money goes? 
I've written my Congressman and both Senators.  You know what I've found out?  They don't read a damn thing I write.  As a matter of fact, one of them has the gall to even send me a form letter thanking me for taking the time and going against what I'd like as a constituent.  I have the right mind to write him again and inform him that I'll be running against him in the next election.  See if that perks his ears up.  They've all forgotten.  Our government is by the people, for the people.  Not by the government, for the government.  They don't listen.  This is why there are tea parties, with people of all races and demographics, stating enough is enough.  It's why California voters just told the Govenator and all politicians to pound sand on more taxes.  Maybe they finally woke up.
Obama has pissed off his own constituents already.  He hasn't held a campaign promise yet.  I feel bad for his fans.  As much as I don't like the man, his politics, his 'history' or his policies, I really was hoping he'd stick to his word.  Washington isn't working, hasn't worked in a good 20 years (at least), I really was hoping that a guy who had minimal Washington DC experience was a good thing.  So far, he's looking as contrived and Hollywooded as I suspected after he had the faux-Roman columns here in Denver for his acceptance party. 
The worst thing is that I truly believe that if McCain had won we'd be seeing the same things.  Just by a much older man who could tell you he's a war hero.  They are both Socialists, they don't believe in a man (not male, man) can do it on his own.  What a load of crap.  This country was built on a lot of foundations, but mostly of rising and falling on your own. 
Just remember, the government doesn't have any money.  They take it from us and distribute how they see fit.  I'm pretty sure that's taxation without representation, which is one of the biggest reasons for that whole Boston Tea Party thing.  Just a little history reminder.  I just had a friend of mine take his class to DC, and asked him if he pointed to the White House, Congress and the Pentagon and tell them that's where their future has been flushed?  He was stunned but he laughed.  And we disagree on politics, but in this case, he knows I couldn't be more right.

Now, I've chastised poor Barack again.  But in this blog, I will also heap a bit of praise on him as well.  A little over a week ago, he came to a great decision that pissed off the ACLU.  Quite frankly, the ACLU needs to be renamed to the NACLU, because they are not interested in protecting my civil liberties, but they sure do care if a terrorist has rights.  Add them to my list of folks that no longer get taxpayer funds the minute after I'm sworn in as President.  The decision was to NOT release photos from war crime trials of a few troops doing stupid things.  He listened to his millitary higher-ups who told him it would do more harm to the soldiers out here fighting than good.  He listened, a great step.  And then he told the ACLU to get bent by not disclosing them.  Now, make them classified so this crap doesn't happen again.  Some things just don't need to be in the public hands.

Okay, so he's received some praise (and you didn't think it was in me to do it...ha!).  Now one little suggestion, especially on Memorial Day weekend.  That little ban you took off of showing deceased soldiers returning coffins to the states and letting the media put them on TV and in newspapers, put it back on.  These men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to this nation, please bring back the decency of respecting the dead and tell the media to knock it off.  Yup, add that to my list as well.

Yet another topic, was the lovely speech he gave in front of the Constitution.  Anyone else find the irony in this???  The same thing he's steamrolling over, backing up, and making sure he's squeezed the liberty out of he makes a speech about National Security in front of.  If it weren't so contrived and Spielberg'd I wouldn't laugh so much.  Between that and not mentioning the potential terrorist attack thwarted by the FBI in New York City that same morning, it's all a bit much.  Clearly electing him and him doing the pathetic apology tour hasn't worked.  There are still terror cells amongst us and people that can't stand us due to our freedoms.  So now what?  I don't know, but I can assure you with all honesty that if he's really contemplating putting Gitmo prisoners in SuperMax here in Colorado, I'm outta here.  I'm planning on hitting the road soon enough if I can find the right opportunity in Boston, but I can tell you for a fact if those wack-jobs are in the same state as me and NORAD, I'm outta here like the stinkin' Road Runner.  Call me paranoid, but if this happens, I envision more Muslim mosques popping up.  And face it, while there are plenty of passive Muslims who go about their day, they're not the ones I worry about.  I kind of worry about the ones that drive planes into buildings.  And Denver happens to be a hub for United.  I'll pass, thanks.

Next up in my line of sight, Mrs. San Francisco politics herself, Nancy Pelosi.  Please oh please I beg for her not to be sanctioned.  Let her keep yapping away.  She's clearly either senile or stupid...could be both.  She can't remember which lie she's trying to keep telling.  She states that the CIA lies.  Best part to me that the head of the CIA is Leon Panetta, a dyed in the wool Democrat.  Way to chuck a compatriot into traffic, Nancy.  Her press conference was one of the saddest and funniest things I've ever seen.  Apparently if you keep reading the same thing over and over again, it will be just given as fact.  No need to answer questions.  Please oh please don't sanction or replace her.  The next election for her is next year I think.  This is the definition of a slam dunk for anyone who opposes her, even another Democrat in her district.

To circle back my earlier comments on taxes, taxation and all that fun, some nice guys at the Wall Street Journal-the last hope for true journalism we have-wants you to know that if your state raises taxes, business and those super nice big earners take their money and go to a state that is much nicer to them.  Who knew?  Oh wait, it just makes sense and it's logical. 

So, apparently I'm not the only one who doesn't think that the current head honcho is an American citizen...and here's why:
"The "Certification of Live Birth" posted online and widely touted as "Obama's birth certificate" does not in any way prove he was born in Hawaii, since the same "short-form" document is easily obtainable for children not born in Hawaii. The true "long-form" birth certificate – which includes information like the name of the birth hospital and attending physician – is the only document that can prove Obama was born in Hawaii, but to date he has not permitted its release for public or press scrutiny."  Go figure.  Seems pretty simple.  If McCain had to prove he was a citizen, why did we as a nation just take Obama's 'word' for it?  If it's proven he's a citizen, great, we go on as we are.  If not, then I'm pretty sure something's not right.  I'm just sayin'.

And I have a huge beef with the latest installment of the Pope.  Ah, the charm of being a Catholic.  This guy now states that Israel should be split.  The retort was awesome, stating that he should split Rome.  Why should Israel be split?  I love how I keep hearing about Palestinians but I can't find Palestine on a map.  Maybe it's because when it was discussed over 50 years ago the leaders of the PLO walked away and passed.  I personally don't like pandering to terrorist and those that want to kill others for their religious beliefs.  Seems beyond foolish to me.  Now, protecting yourself from the tyranny of having a belief forced upon you?  That I'm all for and will support all day, every day.

And for my last 'political' topic, we have the beloved teachers union (yup, that's that sarcasm again).  Here in Colorado, seems we have a county that has called for a sickout.  What's that?  That's when a large number of teachers decide to call in sick on the same day, so that they can prove a point.  What point that is, I'm not certain.  Teachers and AutoWorkers are a protected class, so they think.  I really do hope that the head of this particular School District tosses these jerks and hires non-union folks.  Just like Reagan did with the Air Traffic Controllers.  Teachers should be paid more.  I'll grant them that.  But this is not the way to do it.  More importantly, there's only a week or two left of school.  Their main complaint is that they aren't getting a big enough raise.  I even read a comment from a teacher that it's really expensive to live in Boulder, CO.  I'm sorry, how is this news???  Why do you have to live in Boulder?  Is it a requirement to teach in Boulder?  If not, I have sympathy at all for you.  And in this economy, no one wants to hear your pity party.  I was out of work for over 3 months.  Didn't complain.  I've got friends who have been out of work a lot longer.  And you want to argue about a cost of living increase, that it's not enough.  You have chutzpah.  I'm not saying you don't deserve it, or you haven't earned it.  But please, why not extend the contract as is for another school year with the chance to open up the books in the next 6 months and negotiate this thing out?  Doesn't it make more sense than stressing the school district and punishing the kids that go to school?  See, this is why I'm sending my kids to private school if I ever have any.  They won't be fed liberalism from a fireshose.  I'm sure I'll have enough battles (cell phones, the 'sex' talk, a prom dress costs how much???, etc.) I really don't need to foster the debate on unions and all the fun they've given this country.  They had their place, they helped out a ton, some are even necessary due to the nature of a certain industry, however they've managed to cripple education and the auto industry in this country.  Think I'm kidding about the auto industry?  Rumors on CNN and Fox that GM may still be filing for bankruptcy in the coming month, even after Obama gave them billions of our hard earned money.  Right after he gave Chrysler a bunch, too.  And someone at Goldman Sachs said that was a bad idea. 

Now to some sports.....(I know, about time.  Fine then, you write something and I'll read it :P )
Anyone else hoping that either Kobe or LeBron doesn't make it to the NBA Finals?  Okay, so it's a little evil.  But I hate that Vitamin Water and Nike have ad campaigns already running that it's pre-ordained that they will meet in the finals (and if you don't think that the Lakers and Cavs are going to the finals, I've got some lovely beach front property in Siberia to sell you).  I'm hoping this turns out to a Dan vs. Dave thing, remember that?  If you don't, Reebok ran this huge ad campaign for two hopeful Olympians in the Decathalon....except one of them didn't qualify.  It was a marketing plan blown to smithereens.  Yup, that's what I want to happen to the NBA, because the officiating sucks, because it's blatant, because it's not even or fair.  Kobe Bryant has 5 technical fouls, should have 6 (the NBA was kind enough to rescind one after the fact).  Gee, do you think that's because if you get 7 T's in the playoffs you have an automatic suspension?  Nah, couldn't be. 
By the way, no one ever commits a foul in the NBA.  I want game 1 of the season next year to have the first funny face or over-reaction to a call to get tossed.  It's affecting the kids.  Don't believe me?  Seen an AAU game lately?  I've seen it in kids as young as 8th graders. 

As for the Lakers, all I can say is that I agree with Kenny Smith of TNT.  You don't deserve a title.  You all think you're entitled it.  You have the most talent of any team left in the playoffs, yet you can't close games out.  Yes, you won in Denver last night.  Whoop-di-damn-do.  You should win.  However, your bench sucks, and your big men are soft.  I hope that tomorrow night Denver runs you off the floor.  You'll be the weakest champion in a long time if that's how it comes down.  I can't stand them.  Mostly it's their fans.  I know one (One!!!) who actually watches more than their games.  And they know they should be mopping the floor with almost every team, but they think it'll be handed to them. 

Pointing to Cleveland, their fans need to thank LeBron and the coach for tying the series at a game a piece.  Why the coach?  Because options 1-5 were for LeBron.  And he hit this shot:

LeBron James - Game 2 buzzer beater vs. Magic (05/22/09) HQ

The Kenyon Martin/Mark Cuban 'feud' is stupid.  There, I said it, now, can you both grow up and get over it?  Or should you meet behind the school after last bell?

The Nuggets messed up with their contract with the WWE.  The local commentary has been hilarious.  I sure hope no one backs out of a contract with any of them anytime soon.  If so, play their comments on TV, please.  My favorite part about this whole thing is that the WWE had to postpone 2 other events this week.  People are screaming 'Why?'  Really?  The ring and all the equipment are on like two or three big rigs.  You can't just drive across the country in a day with this stuff.  And it has to be set up and torn down.  Nice work to the owner of the Nuggets, who just cost about 30,000 people their fun to watch wrestling.  I don't care if it's fake/staged or if you think it's for rednecks.  I'm college educated, well-read and an upstanding citizen and think it's bunk that wrestling fans are called all sorts of bigoted names.  Get Bent, and the owner of the Nuggets should have to pay all the TicketBastard fees for refunding the wrestling tickets.  Yup, I said it.

Michael Vick was released from prison to go under house arrest.  Now people are up in arms.  Get over yourselves.  Yes, what he did was messed up.  He's paid his debt to society.  Now people want him to donate to the humane society, like have a judge force him to do it.  Are you people out of your ever lovin' minds?  Wouldn't it seem, oh I don't know, a little more genuine if he donated to local shelters and didn't do PSA's??  It sure would to me.  I'd rather it not be forced, then all of a sudden hear about some things in a year or two that he was a silent donor and kept shelters open, helped keep dog trainers afloat, etc. than have him forced to give money to a shell organization like PETA or the Humane Society.  Google them if you want the real dirt.  My donation is I puppy-sit and give belly rubs to my friends dogs.  And if I ever get a house, then I'll get me my own dog.  For now, leave Vick alone and see if he can go earn a living again.  It would be a great redemption story.

Lastly, watch hockey!!  For all sorts of reasons.  Here's the reason I'm watching right now---I know I don't have to deal with BS officiating, players police themselves.  Well, that and awesome, cool shots like this:

Evgeni Malkin Scores His First Playoff Hat Trick (ECF Game 2)
That is my definition of 'bad ass'.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you.  I've got a nap in store for about 20 minutes....I had a BBQ and watched Roller Derby last night.  How much fun did you have?  Roller Derby is hysterical, and so is the crowd.  I'm just sayin'. 

And don't forget to call your friends every once in awhile.  They miss you, too.  Believe me when I'm telling you.  Why would I lie.

Happy (hopefully Lazy) Sunday!!

Thank Goodness for small favors

I could sit here in my cube and type about all the stupidness going on in the sports world-from the stupid Kenyon Martin/Mark Cuban 'nuh-uh' argument, to the C's losing at home, to David Ortiz hitting all the way to Mannywood being all juiced up. I could dissect each and every one of them, but not right now. Right now it's a shout out as a big thanks to Lil' Brother, and sometimes family just knows that you need a boost from across the country.

Why I needed the boost is not significant. When I'm ready to discuss things, believe me, I will. All I can say is that the kid knew to call me and then could tell I wasn't doing so hot. Took the kid a grand total of 10 minutes and then it was just another take on something stupid that goes on in the world, and how I live my life. He's right, and that's the only part of our conversation that sucks is because he knows me all too well. Knows that since I've let my guard down on so many things that I open myself up to those that could take advantage. And that my decisions to do so have repercussions and consequences, even if I'm the one that gets stung. He's right about all those things. And while I could be a complete dick and lash out and harm those that I think are trying passively to hurt me, it's not worth it. They know who they are and what they're doing, and I'll leave it to karma and their conscience to deal with it out there in the big bad universe. I'll keep doing what I'm doing, knowing full well that I can get scraped and banged up, but with the peace of mind that my intentions are pure and not for selfish gain.

Everybody else can go for theirs and step on folks along the way, I choose to lift them up alongside me. It's lonely at the mountain top, in case you hadn't heard. And you will never be a leader unless you raise those around you. They rise, and so do you. That's real teamwork.

So why the title of this post? I'm just real thankful that while my Lil' Brother and I used to go at each other tooth and nail for years and years and years, we're now friends. I never thought we'd be this close or have each others backs, but I know he's got mine all the way from tiny little New Hampshire, and I wouldn't mess around with that. We got to talk about fastballs, and not in the real sports realm. It was great to chat with him, and even cooler to know that our bond is more than just family, it's FAMILY. You can't beat that with a bat.

Happy Tuesday y'all.

I wanna puke

Alrighty,  confession time.  I haven't watched the last 3 Celtics games.  Why?  I've been engrossed in the NHL playoffs and the Bruins in particular.  I don't mind seeing my hometown team lose, really.  But did the game winning goal have to be scored by that douchebag Walker?  Apparently justice was out for a smoke-break.  Name anyone else on Carolina, and I'm fine with it.  But that guy?  Shocking enough, I'm still pissed and the game ended about an hour ago.  I thought I had 'matured'....not so much.  Not a great day for Boston at all, as the Sox, C's and B's all lose.  Damn!

Oh, and here's why I'm really surprised....that whole Celtics tattoo of mine.  I'll explain why I invested this much time into one team as opposed to the other later.  I'm a little bit keyed up, but I'm mentally exhausted.

My hats off to Carolina, they played great.  And to the B's for making Boston a 4 sport town again.  It's been far too long, and I'm glad that hockey matters in that part of the country again.  A couple more pieces and some sobering playoff experience, they'll make another great run next year.

exhausted

It's only Wednesday, and I'm beat. I'm on my 4th cup of coffee. I've slept like crap the last two nights. And why? A multitude of things. They're all good reasons, too.

Mostly it's due to the phone and me answering it. Sometimes I wish I didn't, but most of the time I'm happy to talk to my friends.

Also, I've finished a book I was reading, however I decided to read the last chapter again, because it makes so much sense to me. It boils down to this-"Resign your role as General Manager of the Universe". Simple, yet really brilliant. I can't fix everyone's problems. I can only sometimes relate. I can definitely listen to my friends, some way more than others. Mostly because I've heard some of their inane crap over and over and over again. That whole definition of insanity thing. Some people choose not to grow or evolve, and that's their prerogative. In doing so, they also open themselves up to the chance of stagnation. Just doesn't seem all that appealing to me.

But lastly and the main reason? Sports. Sports has me thinking about certain things, and how there's such a weird gap in teams. And fans, too. What the heck am I talking about?

Easy, I've been watching a lot of hockey, and if you don't love playoff hockey, quite frankly you can't be a fan of sport. I've made up my mind that of the 4 major sports, teamwork goes as follows-Football, Hockey, Basketball, and then Baseball. Football has to be first, ever seen a running back go anywhere without a block? Well, other than by Barry Sanders? Didn't think so. Ever see a hockey team go from behind their own net and just hit the tape on every pass? It's a beautiful thing. Basketball can get quite a bit bogged down by the playoffs and grinding out every possession, but most teams can't cover the simplest play we've been running since kids, the pick and roll. Baseball? Please, the only thing less team oriented is singles tennis.

So why am I a bit restless? Easy, it seems as if the NBA has already set up their Finals while the NHL we have no clue. And if you don't believe me, raise your hand if you had Cleveland and the Fakers in the Finals (that's right I called them the Fakers, I can't stand them, and there is only one guy I'd want on that team, Pau Gasol)? The 4 best TEAMS in the NBA still alive right now are Cleveland, Boston, Houston and Denver. There is no joy in LA. Watch a game, you'll see it. Watch a Cavs game and how they all respond as a team to LeBron. Then watch the Fakers and Kobe. It's astonishing.
I know 3 Fakers fans, and of those 3, only one is a sports fan. The other two have blinders on. I'd like to think as a sports fan I know when my favorite teams get outplayed. It happens. I also remember my favorite teams, ever. My favorite football team was the 2nd Patriots SuperBowl winning team. They dominated and had fun, just a fun bunch of guys. My favorite Syracuse hoops team? Easy, Gerry McNamara's last year, or Derrick Coleman's last year, or David Johnson's senior year. They didn't win a thing (well, except McNamara-who literally willed them to the Big East Tourney championship). It wasn't the team that won it all, that's for certain.
My point about the Fakers is this, they don't play with a whole bunch of joy and fun. Which doesn't bode well the deeper they get into the playoffs. Yes, they beat Houston by 40 last night, but that was only after they got soundly whooped in game 4.

Now, to hockey...I get this strange feeling that the Blackhawks are going to be in the Stanley Cup Finals. I can't put my finger on it, but Detroit doesn't seem to want it bad enough, and Anaheim is too sloppy with the puck. Oh, and Chicago can score in bunches.
Best part about hockey? We get to watch 3 game 7's in the next two nights!!! Now that is fun. First up is tonight, Penguins and Capitals. I don't expect goaltending to be at a premium, so this should be all sorts of amusing.
Tomorrow night we get Carolina/B's and Ducks/Wings. Oh the joy. Guess I'm not doing anything these next two nights. Oh, and the B's kicked ass last night, in case you missed it. They did a great job getting traffic in front of the net, and not messing around too much with the puck. I think after Carolina started to be in their zone a ton at the end of the first period something clicked and the B's ramped it up.

Lastly, Starbury paid off!!! I've been waiting for over 2 months for this to happen, but it finally came through. Thank you Stephon Marbury. The kid from Coney Island came through, and huge last night. If he can show that kind of efficiency moving forward, the Celtics have yet another scoring weapon off the bench. Thanks to Orlando for showing that you don't have what it takes to move on to the next level. Ray Allen and Rondo may not be playing great, but I think game 6 tomorrow night will be a close-out, Ray going for 30. No more Magic!

Well, that's one right!

So, Blackhawks in 6...we have a winner!!! I may miss on my other 3 predictions, and for certain I'll miss on 2 of them, but I still have a chance with the Capitals tomorrow night in game 7.

Sorry it's been so long since I've written anything, it's not that I was too busy to write anything last week-on the contrary, I was busy doing stuff for me that needs to get done.

I didn't watch TV for 3 days (in a row!!!) so I could concentrate on researching some companies that deal with the type of software I was selling and would like to sell in the future. Oh, and they're in Boston. I may have found a couple, so legit cover letters have to go out this week. I also have a call later today regarding a position I found, and have emailed back and forth with the recruiter about. We shall see.

The job is going well, it's picked up a little bit, too. These folks are so nice, and so darn professional. Of course, with my goofball antics, they really have no clue what to do with me. But they like my work, like my ethic, and like my attitude (seriously!!). I've even been told that they like to hire contract workers on after their gig is up. This is great news. But I will have to tell them that it won't be here.
The more and more I think about it, the more it sticks. I'm 98% done here in beautiful Colorado. I noted to myself this morning that I'll miss driving around towards the west and seeing sno-capped mountains. I'll have to make sure I take pictures.

I'm bound and determined to find a sweet job back east, so I can be happy and enjoy what I'm doing. I then plan on making that feeling infectious. My friends are sometimes so caught up in the mundane and routine that they forget how great some things can be.

Don't forget to call your friends and say hey every once in awhile. I just so happened to get one call in particular last night that got me all sorts of geeked up.

I now can't wait to go home in a couple of weeks and see some of my people and the family. I've got a huge headlock waiting for baby brother, he has no clue what's about to happen to him.

I'll write more later tonight when I have the ability to download some pictures and YouTube stuff.

My advice for the day? Simple, really. If you're in a bad mood, I highly recommend going to Hulu and finding the video for "I'm on a Boat". If you can't be in a good mood after that, I got nothing for ya!

EWwww, could've done without that this morning

Things you never want to see--

A 5 ft 300 lb. woman (at least, more rolls than a bakery) not realizing that someone (me) is walking behind her as she wrestles her skivvies out of God knows where. It was like watching dog wrestle with a rope that the owner is holding. But it got worse...

She then smelled her hand.

So much for lunch...happy Cinco De Mayo (I will be trying to keep breakfast down all day)

Lots of Rambling...

Okay, so this will be a bit of a disjointed venture. I've got a lot to catch up on, so if you've got the time, you don't have to read this whole thing at once, because there will be a lot to go over.

The Miss USA Pageant-and the reaction
With friends like that, you don't need enemies. I quite frankly could care less what Miss California said, I'll give her this-how about some props for standing up for what she believes in? Nope, instead, the 'head of the Miss California, skankalicious Shanna Moakler, goes out and wrangles up some B-D list 'celebrities' to make some spoof commercials, and states that the current Miss California should represent the values that are American...hmm, seems a bit hypocritical, don't you think? Considering that the voters of the state of California have already said a resounding 'NO' to gay marriage, isn't she representing her state? Here's another dirty little secret, one to tie all the liberals-oh, excuse me, Progressives-up in knots...
Why is it that all the Republicans, Conservatives and those that believe in God (mostly Christians, I don't see them going after Muslims or Jews so much)-we're all homophobes and racists? When the guy you all voted for, wanted, cheered for Hope, has the same view on marriage as Miss California? Makes you think, doesn't it?
Another thought I have is, 'What's the right answer?'. And who gives a rats ass what Perez Hilton thinks? I want to know if these women had any idea what her question might be ahead of time. I saw the answer, and whether or not you agree with the answer, why doesn't she have the right to express her opinion? That is what cracks me up about the 'Progressives' of this country-they're all for Freedom of Speech so long as you parrot their ideas. Go against them, then it's time for the personal attacks.
I think it would be a hoot if Hef paid her to be in the same mag that made Moakler famous. And if Hef were half the 'forward-thinking' gentleman he proclaims himself to be, the offer would already be out there. Let's have a real debate on it-put it out there in the press, on TV, on the 'net. Not one-sided name calling. Hilton needs to grow up, this isn't the 3rd grade where the end to a disagreement is calling someone dootyhead. Want my opinion on the subject, feel free to ask it. But in this case, I'm not offering it up. I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy of the social elite. Quite frankly, I don't want to be in their club, they can keep regurgitating the same old ideas that don't work back and forth to each other.
Say what you want about me, but at least I'm not unoriginal.

RIP, Bea Arthur
Hey, say what you want, but to me, Bea will always be considered a fantastic actress because she always played the role of the tough broad who stood up for herself. You'd think that some feminist groups would be memorializing her, but I haven't heard a peep. I thought that's one of the pillars of feminism-a woman standing on her own? Knowing me, I'm way off on this one. Yet another movement hijacked by the enlightened. God, I love being dumb. Keeps me grounded, I suppose.

Friends
No, not the show. I've leaned on some folks in the last few months, and some have been great, others-not so much. This isn't to point them out, everyone has their own crap going on. I've had my moments of neediness, not so much in the last few weeks, but since the beginning of the year overall, yeah. And it ain't pretty on me. So what happens? You suck it up, and make the decision to try and deal with your problems/issues in your own, constructive way. Me, I'm just trying to be there for my friends if I can.
I will say that there are a couple of people who brighten up my day every single time I speak with them. And for them in my life, I'm truly grateful. They've made me laugh, at the human element, mostly at myself. I've needed that. Not currently, mind you, but in the past, most definitely. To them, I say thank you. And know that I will be there for you in your time of needing a chuckle, or in the case of yesterday, a sounding board. My stomach hurt from laughing, but while my buddy may have needed to vent, I couldn't help but laugh. My response to his rant was simply, 'You could still be dating-imagine the horror!'

The Everyman
Things that I love and hate at the same time-while I don't mind talking to people about their relationships and the goings on in their life, I am getting a little tired of the whole 'Why does my boyfriend...' or 'Why do guys....' line of questioning. Ladies, my first response is I don't know. Really, I don't. I can't tell you how every other man on the planet thinks. I can only tell you how one man thinks, that's all I've got. Why won't the guy you've been 'hanging out' with for the last 3 months call/text you back? I don't know-but if you tell me that you blew him off twice this week, that's probably why. How do you 'fix it'? Call him!! Look, all these rules that we think we need to abide by only stop you from meeting someone great. I believe that. All those people with the walls up, I feel for you. I'm also sorry for the asshole who screwed you over. You know what else? I'm not him. I didn't do it. I never would. I can barely keep one woman straight in my head, do you think I'm dumb enough to try and juggle numerous women? The last way I want to answer my phone is 'Hey...You', lame!
So, if you like someone, swallow you're stupid pride and this whole thing of game-playing, well, knock it off. Put yourself out there, or don't. But don't half-ass it. So you get hurt. Big whoop. Is it better to try and fail or to sit on your ass at home and wonder what goes on outside your window? I know, I talk big, but I think I've acted in this realm in the last year or two. If you don't try, you'll never ever know. Isn't that a worse feeling? I'd rather get hurt for the chance at something awesome than be afraid. And if someone is yanking you around, get rid of them. Don't answer the phone, reply to a text, nothing. Cold Turkey. If you get the lame email of 'what did I do wrong-I miss you', tell them what's up.
In all honesty, does anyone remember 15-20 years ago? There was no text messaging, no IMing, and who had a cell phone? If you liked someone, you had to get those digits, and call them. Maybe even leave message. And play the waiting game. Now, we've become obsessed whackos. Maybe we always were, but with the advent of all these communication methods, your 'Crazy' is out there on the web. And everything is recorded. Fine, tell me you haven't let a little of your 'Crazy' out there, and I'll call you a liar to your face. We're all guilty. There are no innocent victims. No one ever thinks that someone else could be busy. Want to know why I'm not nutso right now? Because I know people are busy. Me? I'm really not. I could be, but choose not to. I'll let you go-getters of the world do it all. I have more than enough time. I have my dreams, I'm just trying to figure out how the puzzle fits together. I was of the thinking that what I want to be when I grow up have to be independent of each other. That's dead wrong. Whoops. At least I have stopped thinking that way. But this revelation has only come about in the last couple of days, so I'm still working on it.
All I can tell you is that you have to put yourself out there. I was taught at a very young age quite a few good lessons, "You don't want to ask yourself 'what if?', do you?" And it's true to me. Do you really want to beat yourself up about not telling someone how you feel about them? If you do, maybe you're stronger than me. Certain convictions can be buried a bit beneath the surface, but you risk the chance of being run by fear.
To the women who think I'm everyman, go ahead and ask. I may have an answer, but it will come from only one guy's perspective-mine. Blow me off, or appear to blow me off, twice, I might not be so eager to put myself out there again, because I've done it twice. But don't sit there and be lame waiting for a text message. And don't go giving me the whole garbage rap about "that's how we communicate"--no it's not. That's like a passing hello in the hallway. Eventually you will have to physically speak to each other on the phone-or-GASP!-in person. Ever think that you like the sound of their voice, like it might pick you up? Brighten your day? Put a pep in your step? Anything along the lines of putting you in a better mood? Is this that difficult to comprehend. I swear, we're all a bunch of chicken-shits. Well, not me. I'm putting myself out there, I think. I'll leave it up to fate, the wind, the Gods, nature, a rabbits foot, and the knowledge that I've done pretty much all I can. You know what that allows a man to do? Sleep pretty damn well. If you can say the same after thinking it over, that's awesome! If not, feel free to ask yourself why-you might learn something about yourself.

Tough Love
This will play right into the above topic. I love me some trashy TV. Reality TV, too. Not the crappy soap opera drama stuff. But VH1 has me hooked on this show called "Tough Love", and last week was no exception. But I have to give you all some background. For a few years, one of my main complaints about the dating scene has been meeting women who can't seem to get out of their own way. And then what happens? Will Smith states that verbatim in 'Hitch'.
This show is showing you at least 8 of these types of women, in various forms-some far more afflicted than others. Well, last week's episode took it all and chucked it back in some girls face. Premise of the show was to have some people from the ladies past to kind of gauge the progress. (Sidenote-I can do this show-and if the producers want to expand it to the Denver market, I'm offering my services). Well, one girl got to have her Mom come visit, and you could finally see where the lack of class comes from. I rarely watch TV and get offended, unless I'm watching CNN, MSNBC or the Family Guy (I know, but sometimes it's even too much for me). I was offended for this guy, I felt bad for him. Bad enough you're trying to help some woman get out of her own way, but she keeps trying to go back to what hasn't worked for her with the help of her own mother! So what happens? She gets booted (mind you, this isn't one of those shows where someone gets booted every week), and proceeds to trash the place. Have fun being a hooker, would've been my reply. Wonder why you can't get a good man? Simple, you give it up on the first date, you talk about your ability to chug-a-lung the dingaling, you've got gigantic fake boobs. Men don't look at you like a woman they want to date, you're the broad they want to nail. I felt bad for the guy, only because he got worked on camera by a mother and her trashy daughter. He kept on a good face, but I'd be willing to bet that he had a whole case of 'You know What' ready to go, but took the high road. Far better man than me, I'd have let both of those trailer hookers have both barrels. Skank probably would have been the best word used for them, too. I just never get how someone gets strong when their parents are around, but would never speak like that on their own, it's just cowardly.

Sports
Ben Gordon-let me see if I have this straight-Paul Pierce can get fined for a supposed 'gang sign' throwing (one that's also been thrown by the ultra-hip Mayor of Boston-just for reference), but Gordon can fully grab his crotch after hitting a big shot in game 4, and nothing? How does this work? Fine, you don't want people giving the throat-slash gesture, I get that, it's notice to a violent act. But how is grabbing the twig and giggleberries kosher?

The C's-Thanks Chicago, it was a fun series. Now go home. I'm not sure if I believe in all the hyperbole that it's the greatest series ever, but it will rank. I had friends calling me who didn't care who won. That was kind of cool. And I'd like to thank some of the worst officiating on the planet. Rondo getting T'd up for punch passing the ball to the ref? That pass happens going to a timeout all the time, never seen it called a T before. Perk getting assessed the double tech with Miller after Miller grabbed his shoulders? Sure, that seems fair. Calling Paul Pierce for a foul when Kirk Hinrich trips on his own feet, and Pierce isn't within 5 feet of him? Ok. But the one I cannot get over is the T that Eddie House got. He gets T'd up for screaming at the Bulls bench, but it's alright for someone to run down the bench to yell in his ear while jacking up a 3 in the corner? Shouldn't that either be nothing or a double technical?
And this is why I won't be shocked if the Celtics get bounced in 5 games vs. Orlando. They're the defending champs and they get no love at home. On the road I expect to get hosed, but not at home. And not to a team like the Bulls who finished .500 and have no playoff pedigree.
By the way, what ever happened to all those Bulls fans from back in the day? Thought so, frontrunners.

NASCAR-hey, want to know why that will never get any bigger than it is now? Did you not see the car go flying Ricky Bobby style at Talladega last Sunday? Or the 7 people that got injured in the crowd? Or the fact that one of the drivers stated that nothing will change at that track until someone dies? Well, you're ass-backwards, and that comment just proves it. Why? Because the comment is on point. You didn't make the HANS system mandatory until after Dale Earnhardt hit the corner at Daytona and snapped his neck, dying. You had to wait for the most popular driver in the history of stock car racing to die before changing. Pathetic. That's why you will never move up. And don't think for a minute that a lawsuit isn't coming for that accident. Someone is getting paid, and it was avoidable. That's why I think it's pathetic.

Jayson Williams-sad, to me at least. He went from a great funny guy who went to St. John's, made the NBA All-Star game at Madison Square Garden, suffered a horrid injury, and I thought he'd be a funny TV guy. Instead, there is a murder with your alleged involvement. And now? He was tasered last weekend and is considered suicidal. I have no clue what's going on, but I'm hoping for a good ending. Stinks when you like an athlete and this is tied to them.

The Sox-Sweet sweep of the NYY last weekend, even better to see them not being smart enough to build a bullpen. That will be their giant achilles heel all year. But enough about them. The team Boston needs to concern themselves with is Tampa Bay. Some are wondering why the Sox are getting beat by the Rays. Well, two reasons; 1)Matt Garza owns that lineup. Like he's the master and the Sox are the submissives owning them. 2)the Sox are being out-Soxed. Yup, I said it. Look at the games, the proof is right there. TB is working the count, getting guys on base, getting to the bullpen earlier. Remind you of anyone? The Sox!! That's what they've been doing for the last 5 years, with great success. Get guys with fantastic OPS, grind out at bats, and pitchers that throw strikes. TB has done a better job in the head to head matchups. Sorry, but that's the truth. As soon as the boys from Boston (no one from there calls it Beantown, seriously) decide to hit like they did vs NYY, all will be fine with the world. Of course, it would be nice for Beckett and Lester to figure out where the damn strike zone is. Wakefield has been the stopper so far this year. He's been huge. Thank goodness for the ol' knuckleballer, or the Sox wouldn't be this far up the food chain.

The B's-so much for rust. 94 seconds into the game they score. Only time I've heard anything so fast was Tyson vs. Spinks and certain prom dates (not mine, I fell asleep and didn't sleep with my date. Correction, fell asleep next to her, but that was it). We'll have to see how tonight's game goes, but if it's a repeat, then wow. They look focused and prepared, which is fantastic to watch. Just remember, no dicking around with the puck, it's the playoffs!!

Jason Campbell-so I was talking to a buddy of mine who lives outside DC this afternoon and brought up Jason Campbell to him. He's a Bears fan, so he could care less about the Redskins, this makes him quite impartial. I'm here to back up Campbell, and to point out if someone wants to be pissed and pull a hissyfit like a certain former QB here in Denver. Let's see, 'Skins tried to trade for Cutler, maybe a QB from Cleveland and Mark Sanchez-a college QB with a whopping 16 starts under his belt. Hmm, I may be a little off, but I'm pretty sure that Campbell started for 3 years at Auburn, going 12-0 his last year. Oh, and there's other little tidbit-Four years at Auburn, 3 years in the NFL (that's 7 years, just for math purposes), he's had 7 different Offensive systems/coordinators. Here's a wild thought, why not let the guy have 2 years in the same system? Seems like the Redskins liked him enough a couple of years ago to draft him in the first round, why wouldn't you give him the shot? How long does it take to develop a QB? How have the Redskins retarded his growth with 3 systems in 3 years? Why wouldn't you give him the chance to have a little continuity? Just doens't make much investment sense to me. I'd try and get him as much help as I could. As for his reaction to all the talk, check this out and see if this is someone you wouldn't mind leading your team. I'm just sayin'...

And I will leave you with this-One of the things I've always wanted to be is a stand-up comedian. I've done some work, nothing great. If anyone were to ever ask me who my influences are, I'd tell them my Pops, Bill Cosby, Martin Lawrence, Bill Hicks, Lewis Black, Drake Sather, and this guy and his act, over years and years (George, it still holds up):

George Carlin - Saving the Planet

Happy Sunday to you all, and I hope this coming week kicks ass for you.

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